Phuket, Thailand – The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship began with an expected, yet still impressive, display of power from the Italian national team. Widely considered a titan in global volleyball, Italy extended their remarkable winning streak to an astonishing 30 matches. Their debut performance saw them sweep World Championship first-timers Slovakia 3-0, a result that underscores their status as reigning Olympic and VNL champions and sends a clear message to their competitors on the sun-drenched courts of Phuket.
A Legacy of Unstoppable Performance
For nearly a year now, the Italian women`s volleyball squad has navigated the international circuit with a precision that borders on the clinical. Their 30-match unbeaten run is not merely a statistic; it`s a testament to sustained excellence, tactical superiority, and the deep talent pool at their disposal. Fresh off their victories at the Olympics and the Volleyball Nations League, Italy arrived in Thailand with a target on their backs, a pressure that seems to fuel rather than hinder their performance.
The opening match against Slovakia in Pool B was, for many, a foregone conclusion. Italy, with its roster of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, approached the game with the same meticulous preparation one would expect for a grand final. The scores – 25-20, 25-14, 25-17 – reflect a controlled dismantling rather than a desperate battle, showcasing their ability to execute under the highest expectations.
The Architects of Victory: Egonu and the Italian Ensemble
At the heart of Italy`s offensive strategy is often the formidable presence of opposite hitter Paola Egonu. Her 15 points in the opener (12 kills, two blocks, one ace) were a stark reminder of why she is regarded as one of the world`s premier players. Egonu`s ability to dominate rallies with raw power and precision ensures that even when the team faces moments of tension, a reliable outlet for points is always available. Yet, Italy`s strength isn`t solely reliant on one superstar.
The balanced contribution from players like 21-year-old outside hitter Stella Nervini, who added nine points (six kills, two aces, one block), illustrates the depth and future potential of the squad. Team captain and middle blocker Anna Danesi acknowledged the initial jitters, a refreshing dose of humility from a team that rarely falters:
“The goal today was to play our usual style and to try to win 3-0,” Anna Danesi remarked. “We’re happy that we did it, but I think that some players and I had some nerves with our first match, and I’m sure we can play better than we did today.”
This self-assessment, even after a decisive win, speaks volumes about the high standards within the Italian camp. For them, perfection is not a goal but a continuous pursuit.
Slovakia`s Valiant Debut: The Spirit of the Underdog
Across the net, Slovakia faced an unenviable task: making their World Championship debut against the sport`s most dominant force. Despite the 3-0 defeat, their performance was far from disheartening. Opposite Karin Šunderlíková led her team with 12 points (ten kills, two aces), demonstrating flashes of potential against a relentless Italian defense.
Team captain and outside hitter Karin Palgutová articulated the team`s pragmatic approach and positive outlook:
“Italy are the best team in the world and we knew that today our chances were going to be very small,” Palgutová reflected. “We took our risks and did what we could against them. I think we can be proud of our performance because we didn’t get scared and showed what we can do. We need to have a positive spirit for our next matches because we believe we have a chance of winning those.”
This perspective is crucial for debutants. While the scoreboard might have favored Italy significantly in kills (40 to 31), blocks (seven to one), and aces (five to two), Slovakia`s ability to stand firm and learn from such an encounter is invaluable. Their journey in Phuket is less about immediate victories against top-tier opponents and more about gaining experience and building for the future.
The Road Ahead in Phuket
As the tournament progresses, the dynamics in Pool B will shift. The day`s earlier match saw Belgium sweep Cuba 3-0, setting up an intriguing second round of matches on Sunday. Italy will face Cuba, another team seeking to make their mark, while Slovakia will battle Belgium. Each match offers new challenges and opportunities for teams to refine their strategies and vie for progression.
For Italy, every game is a chance to extend their extraordinary streak and solidify their reputation as virtually unbeatable. For Slovakia and other emerging nations, it`s an opportunity to test their mettle against the best, to grow, and perhaps, to pull off an upset that would resonate across the volleyball world.
The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Phuket has just begun, but the narrative of Italy`s relentless pursuit of victory is already firmly established. As the “Blue Machine” continues to roll, volleyball enthusiasts around the globe will be watching to see if any team can halt their momentum, or if this remarkable winning streak is destined to become an even grander legend.
